Looted Luggage: Don't Become The Next Victim

Monday night, we told you about a KELOLAND woman who had her luggage stolen right off the carousel in baggage claim area of the Atlanta Airport.

Travel consultants say there some things you should do if you're flying so you don't become the next victim.

Val Westhoff's luggage was found in a field two miles from the Atlanta Airport. It had been stolen and gone through along with several other people's bags.

Luckily, she didn't have anything of any value inside. Travel consultants say that's the best way to pack when flying.

"Any medications, valuables, money, jewelry anything like that you can't afford to lose do not put that in your checked bag," Kay Parrott of AAA Travel said.

Parrott says the other thing you should do when you arrive at airports is don't waste time.

"The faster you can get to the baggage claim area the better. Just less chance for somebody to get to your bag before you can pick it up," Parrott said.

And finally Parrott says the best advice to avoid becoming a victim: if possible, don't check a bag.

"If it's something you're going to for only two or three days and can get by with a carry on bag, absolutely, that's your best option because then that bag stays with you the whole time," Parrott said.

The other advice Parrott says is to make sure your bags all have ID. That can include tags outside and even inside with your name, address, and phone number in case it's lost or stolen. That way if it's found, someone can get a hold of you and return your luggage.